Mad About Bards: Coventry Academy Students Drop a Shakespearean Rap Masterpiece
At Coventry Academy, we believe that creativity is the key to unlocking deep engagement with literature—and our students have just proven that in spectacular style.
On Monday the 30th of June at the Belgrade theatre, Coventry Academy student’s latest work on Shakespearean rap lyrics was received with enthusiastic applause at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Schools celebration event for educators, theatre professionals and peers.
Attended by RSC regional manager, Eleanor Warr and Belgrade producer, Claire Procter, along with numerous SLT members from Coventry schools - this event showcased all the highly innovative teaching practice evident in Coventry schools using the latest RSC rehearsal room techniques.
As part of our innovative ‘Mad about Bards’ series, students have reimagined Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet through the electrifying medium of rap. Focusing specifically on the character of Tybalt and drawing directly from the Bard’s original lines, they crafted and performed original lyrics that breathe new life into this timeless tragedy. The result? A powerful, authentic rendition that fuses classical language with contemporary rhythm and voice. Professionally produced in partnership with Coventry Music, we want to say a big thank you to Chris Neophytou who edited and produced this fantastic video.
🎬 Listen the full performance here: Romeo & Juliet Rap – Coventry Academy
‘Lyricature’: Where Literature Meets Lyricism
The driving force behind this project is the unique teaching platform Lyricature, developed by Sharon Gray (Head of English) and Joe Cook (music tutor, Coventry Music). Lyricature empowers students to embed Shakespearean lines into original rap lyrics, exploring key themes and characters with clarity and originality.
Sharon shared:
“Jamie and Archie have created such visceral, memorable lines taken from the play they have studied for GCSE Literature. The video is raw and real. It’s had a major effect on our students as they watch these guys perform professionally.”
From the Classroom to the Stage
Coventry Academy Headteacher Glenn Mellor and Assistant Head James Heaton were also in attendance at the event. James is deeply invested in this work, having set up the successful collaborative music production with Coventry Academy, That’s a Rap and the Belgrade on the seminal rap version of Romeo and Juliet in February (directed by Corey Campbell). This creative fusion, which received national critical acclaim, helped to cement Coventry Academy’s reputation as a hub for young creatives shaping the future of theatre.
He commented
“I’m very proud of this ‘Mad about Bards’ rap video on Romeo and Juliet. I’ve watched Jamie and Archie write around original Shakespeare lines with clarity and originality. To see these lines spring into life with their vocal talent has been awesome and genuinely inspiring to our students.”
A Celebration of Oracy, Creativity, and Collaboration
This project is more than just a performance—it's a celebration of oracy, creativity, and collaboration. It showcases how our students engage deeply with GCSE Literature texts, transforming Shakespeare’s words into something raw, real, and resonant. Professionally recorded, the rap stands as both a high-quality revision resource and a standalone piece of audio-visual art.
Looking Ahead: More Bards, More Beats
The Mad About Bards journey doesn’t stop here. Sharon and Joe are already developing new projects based on Macbeth and Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Meanwhile, Joe continues to mentor students in live rap performances, including their appearance at the Coventry Godiva Festival on Sunday the 6th of July, for the third year running!
Coventry Academy: Igniting Creative Sparks
Our work with the RSC, the Belgrade, and Voice 21 has firmly placed Coventry Academy on the creative teaching map. As Sharon Gray puts it:
“Alternative Provision for us means igniting white-hot sparks of creative passion in a form our students relate to. We let their minds run free to create authentic words of purity and clarity.”
With national conference invitations and CPD sessions under our belt, Coventry Academy continues to lead the way in arts-rich, student-led learning.